Avoid Yield Losses From Volunteer Corn With Herbicide Control

Farmers in the Corn Belt have an option for controlling yield-robbing volunteer corn next season. Many farmers are considering the use of corn with the Enlist™ trait to control volunteer corn by applying a FOP herbicide in 2019.

Mycogen® brand corn hybrids with the Enlist trait were first commercially available in the 2018 growing season. For farmers planting corn after corn, Mycogen brand hybrids with the Enlist trait provide an option for farmers in 2019. Corn with the Enlist trait includes tolerance for FOPs and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) enzyme inhibitor, making it an option to spray FOP herbicide. DuPont™ Assure® II is the only grass herbicide labeled to control volunteer corn in corn hybrids with the Enlist trait.

Threats to next year’s yield

Research shows significant yield loss results from delayed control of volunteer corn, regardless of the control method.

In an article authored by Kansas State University Cropping Systems Specialist Ignacio Ciampitti and Kansas Corn, the authors note the following statistics:

A study from South Dakota State University reported yield losses of up to 13 percent in corn from volunteer corn.

Research from the University of Minnesota showed volunteer corn plants lagged from one- to six-leaf stages behind the crop and few plants produced an ear by harvest.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln found volunteer corn population of 3,500 plants per acre resulted in a 2 percent yield reduction in corn and doubling the density to 7,000 plants per acre caused a 5 percent yield reduction.

As for any herbicide application, make sure to read and follow manufacturer labels. For more information about managing volunteer corn and grasses, contact your local Mycogen dealer or visit Mycogen.com.